Give Sense of Justice for All In Ahok Blasphemy Case

Sindonews – JAKARTA – The emergence of Amnesty International’s insistence that determination of suspect status to in active Jakarta Governor, Basuki T Purnama (Ahok) revoked is deemed inappropriate and not in accordance with law enforcement in Indonesia.

“Indonesia is a sovereign country, law enforcement in Indonesia should be free from intervention from anyone, including foreign parties,” said law observer from Jayabaya University, Lusiana Sanato in Jakarta, Friday (17/11).

Moreover, she continued, the case of Ahok is case that getting tremendous attention from the public. Law enforcement officials are required to give a sense of justice for all parties, both to the suspect or to the party reporting.

“Due Ahok as incumbent candidate for governor, I guess concerned not to be retained so that elections can take place as normal, fair and equitable to all contestants. Continue the process, and let the court which will decide,” said this candidate of law doctoral.

As known, Amnesty International has called on the National Police to drop a blasphemy probe against Ahok. They saying it sets a worrying precedent for intolerance in Indonesia.

“By carrying out a criminal investigation and naming Ahok as a suspect, the authorities have shown they are more worried about hard-line religious groups than respecting and protecting human rights for all,” Amnesty International’s director for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, Rafendi Djamin, said at Thursday (17/11) .

Rafendi said Basuki’s naming as a suspect is a controversial step with police investigators divided over continuing the case.

“Indonesia prides itself on its image as a tolerant country. This case would set a deeply worrying precedent, making it hard for the authorities to argue that they respect all faiths,” he said.

He called on the Indonesian government to consider repealing the blasphemy charge, which is ruled in Article 156 of Criminal Code Procedure Law, as it often targets those belonging to minority religions, faiths and opinions.
(rnz)